The rivalry between Sydney and GWS has become one of the most intense in the game, and a recent post from the Giants’ social media team has escalated tensions.
The two Sydney clubs have always had a strained relationship, but the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round this week highlighted just how contentious things have become.
The AFL had planned for all clubs to gather for a photo shoot to celebrate the Indigenous round. Victorian teams gathered in Melbourne, and South Australian teams in Adelaide. However, when GWS reached out to the Swans to arrange a meeting, they reportedly received a cold response.
According to the Herald Sun, the Swans were displeased with a recent post by the GWS social media team, which was published just before the Battle of the Bridge a few weeks ago. The video mocked Swans coach John Longmire for mispronouncing the name of Giants midfielder Stephen Coniglio, saying “Con-ig-lio” instead of “Con-eel-io.”
Additionally, other posts from GWS referencing rumors that Sam Wicks had conflicts with teammates over a woman were not well received by the Swans.
Swans legend Paul Roos commented on the situation during the ABC’s AFL Daily podcast, stating that the club has long been against public disputes. He recalled that during his time as a player under coach Rodney Eade, the team was taught to be respectful of their position in a rugby-dominated town and of other sports codes.
Roos emphasized that this respectful attitude has continued under current coach John Longmire. He pointed out that the real rivalry is on the field, where both teams have become highly competitive.
Roos concluded by saying, “The rivalry has intensified because both teams are now very strong, and that’s what excites me. I don’t care about off-field comments; what matters is backing it up on the field.”
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